TMA members accept 3.5% rise

BECTU members working in regional theatres have voted to accept a 3.5% increase for 2008/9.

The increase, which applies to minimum rates set out in the Theatrical Management Association (TMA) collective agreement will apply from this month. Formally, the pay proposal now goes forward to the TMA’s membership to be ratified.

Whilst minimum hourly rates will be uplifted by 3.5%, the agreement also provides for a 3% increase in all other payments and allowances and for an increase of 0.5% in the employer’s pension contribution.

BECTU’s agreement with the employers’ association covers technical and front of house staff in more than 200 regional venues which include sites in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. BECTU members voted by a 2 to 1 majority to accept the deal in a consultative ballot which closed today.

Commenting on the settlement Willy Donaghy, Supervisory Official, said: “The pay award for this year is clearly below inflation and that is a disappointment. However, it does reflect the best settlement that could be achieved by negotiation and where our members are covered by specific House Agreements there may be the opportunity to secure some additional monies.”